1. Coconut Milk:

What You Need To Do

Then cover your head with a towel and leave it on for about 20 minutes. You can ideally prepare coconut milk at home by grinding the grated coconut and squeezing its milk.

After that, remove the towel and rinse your hair with cold water.

Follow up with shampoo.

When You Need To Do This

You can follow this process once in a week.

Why This Works

Coconut milk is rich in vitamin E and fats that help to moisturize your hair and keep it healthy. The milk is rich in potassium, another vital ingredient for hair growth (1). Coconut milk is rich in proteins, essential fats and minerals such as potassium. Thus, washing your hair with coconut milk can help reduce breakage of hair. Coconut oil also contains the same nutrients and hence, it strengthens your hair right from the root through the shaft to the tip. Massaging your scalp regularly with this oil provides a protective action against hair loss. You can grate coconut and squeeze out the milk by mixing in a little water. It also has antibacterial properties that protect the hair from damage.

2. Aloe Vera

What You Need

What You Need To Do

This is the traditional way of using aloe vera for treating hair growth.

Extract the pulp content from the leaf or stalk and rub into your hair.

Ensure your hair is already washed before you do this.

Massage the pulp into your scalp in circular motions.

Leave it on for about 15 minutes, and then rinse with cold water.

When You Need To Do This

Repeat the process thrice a week, ideally, in the morning after you have taken a head bath.

Why This Works

Aloe vera plays a crucial role in balancing the pH levels of the scalp and hair. It penetrates deep into the scalp and hair, thereby promoting hair growth (2), (3).

Caution

The yellow-colored sap of the aloe vera plant contains toxins, and can irritate the skin if you are latex-intolerant. You can ideally boil the plant (that converts the toxins into natural salicylic acid, which is harmless to the skin) before extracting the pulp content.

3. Neem (Indian Lilac)

What You Need

What You Need To Do

Boil the neem leaves in water till the water level comes down to half its quantity.

Wait for the mixture to cool.

Rinse your hair with this mixture.

When You Need To Do This

You can use this remedy as a last rinse after shampooing your hair. It can ideally be done once every week.

Why This Works

Neem has excellent antibacterial properties that help you get rid of dandruff. This ensures the scalp is healthy and promotes hair growth (4). It also stimulates blood flow to the skin, thereby nourishing the hair roots. Neem is even found to eliminate head lice and nits (5).

Caution

Using neem for hair (especially in the case of dandruff) can cause your eyes to burn. So, be careful while washing off the neem water and ensure it doesn’t get into your eyes.

4. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

What You Need

4-5 Indian gooseberries

1 cup virgin coconut oil

OR

Indian gooseberries

lime juice

OR

Indian gooseberry oil

coconut oil

What You Need To Do

Method 1: Boil the dried Indian gooseberries in coconut oil till the oil turns black. Wait for it to cool, and then massage your scalp with this oil. Leave it on for about 20 minutes, and then shampoo as usual.

Method 2: Crush the amla fruit to extract its juice. Mix 2 teaspoons of this juice or amla powder with an equal quantity of freshly squeezed lime juice. Apply this on your scalp and allow it to dry. Rinse off with warm water.

Method 3: Mix coconut oil and Indian gooseberry oil in equal parts. Add a few drops of lemon juice. Once a week, apply this mixture thoroughly on the scalp. Rinse off with water to fight hair loss.

9. Onion Juice

What You Need

Dip the cotton ball into the juice, and apply it directly to your scalp, ensuring the hair strands are covered from the root to the tip.

Leave it on for about 30 minutes, after which you can rinse with cold water.

Shampoo as usual.

Method 2

Squeeze an onion to extract its juice. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey to it. To get rid of the odor, you can mix rose water with onions. Apply this on your hair and leave for 40 to 50 minutes and wash off. You can also crush a few cloves of garlic and boil them in a little coconut oil for a few minutes. When the mixture is lukewarm, massage your scalp with it.

When You Need To Do This

You can apply onion juice to your hair once in a week.

Why This Works

Onion has antibacterial properties that can eliminate the bacteria that can cause scalp infections (14). It also has a high sulfur content that improves blood circulation to the hair follicles and encourages hair growth. Sulfur is also known to treat infected hair follicles (15).

Caution

Be careful while applying the juice to your hair. If the juice gets into your eyes, wash them thoroughly with cold water. Though not harmful to your eyes, onion juice can cause a burning sensation and extreme discomfort.

12. Coconut Oil Massage

You can begin by slightly warming the oil and putting it into a small bowl.

Gently apply the oil to your scalp and the hair roots. Massage in small, circular motions.

You can either leave the oil on for about 30 minutes or overnight, and then shampoo as usual.

When You Need To Do This

Do this every alternate day till you see the results.

Why This Works

Coconut oil contains antioxidants that strengthen hair and give it a natural sheen (19). It also has antimicrobial properties that help fight scalp infections.

Caution

Make it a point to wash your hair within a day of applying the oil. Otherwise, your hair would appear greasy and can attract dust and dirt as well.

Note

You can also use almond, olive, and amla oils instead of coconut oil for similar results. Olive oil has been found to improve the elasticity of the hair, thereby preventing it from breakage. Almond and amla oils also help prevent hair loss and make it stronger (20).

13. Egg White Mask

Mix the egg white thoroughly till you get a thick and even consistency.

Using a hair dye brush, apply the egg white to your scalp and hair.

Cover your head with a shower cap and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Then, rinse with cool water followed by a mild shampoo.

Method2

You can take one egg white and mix it with a teaspoon of olive oil. Beat to make it into a paste. Apply all over your scalp and hair. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water and mild shampoo.

Despite being safe, lemons contain acids. Hence, close your eyes as you pour the mixture over your head. Also, remember not to use the lemon juice remedy too frequently or for a long duration; it can dry out your hair.

Why This Works

17. Henna

Since ancient times, henna has been used as a natural hair color and conditioner, especially in India. It also plays a major role in strengthening your hair. To enhance its effectiveness, you can mix it with mustard oil before applying.

Take about 250 ml of mustard oil

Add some washed and dried henna leaves.

Boil this mixture until the leaves are burnt

Filter it using a muslin cloth.

Store this oil in an airtight container and regularly massage your hair with it.

You can also prepare a hair pack by mixing 1 cup of henna powder with half a cup of curd. Apply this on your hair and allow it to dry. Wash off with cool water and a mild shampoo.

Causes Of Hair Fall

Hair fall is caused due to many factors. They include:

1. Stress

Stress is a common problem these days faced by almost everyone. It can lead to several health problems ranging from a minor illness to life-threatening medical conditions. Studies have indicated that high level of stress is responsible for causing hair fall in most people.

2. Hereditary Causes

Hair fall that happens due to genetic reasons is also known as androgenetic alopecia. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is the most common cause of hair fall. This gene can be inherited from either of your parents’ side of the family. You are more likely to suffer from hair fall if both your parents have suffered from it too.

3. Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances caused due to menopause, pregnancy, and malfunctioning thyroid glands are also responsible for causing hair fall.

4. Unhealthy Food

Junk food is considered harmful because it hardly provides your body any nutrients and makes it vulnerable to health conditions. Eating junk food can lead to nutritional deficiencies which can cause hair fall and baldness. People with eating disorders are also likely to suffer from excessive hair loss.

5. Harsh Chemical Treatments

Harsh chemical treatments offered by salons, such as straightening and curling, can weaken your hair follicles when frequently done. This contributes to more hair fall. Blow drying your hair on a regular basis also contributes a lot to hair fall.

6. Psoriasis

Dandruff is a common problem these days which can be easily treated. But if neglected, it can start turning into thick scaly patches, known as psoriasis. This long term skin problem is caused when the skin cells grow rapidly, leading to thick, white, silvery or red patches of skin.

7. Protein Deficiency

Our hair is made up of a protein called keratin. Deficiency of this protein in your diet can weaken your hair. This results in dry and brittle hair that breaks easily. This can also be a symptom of thyroid related issues, so consult your doctor.

8. Iron Deficiency or Anemia

Anemia is a common problem observed in women who do not have enough iron rich food. It is caused when the blood does not have enough red blood cells. These cells transport oxygen throughout your body, providing you the energy that you need. Anemia is a major cause of hair loss as hair follicles also require an adequate supply of blood for their growth and maintenance.

Some other causes of hair fall are aging. Deficiency of vitamin B6 and folic acid, over styling, and thyroid diseases.

How Much Hair Fall Is Normal?

Contrary to popular belief, hair fall is actually quite a normal phenomenon, where you lose up to 50 to 100 strands of hair each day. It is when start to lose more than that you need to worry.

Hair fall, when it happens in its natural course, is backed by hair growth. But if the rate of hair loss exceeds the frequency of natural hair regrowth, it is a cause for concern. If you are losing hair in tufts and are unable to maintain volume, you should immediately consult a trichologist.

Hair fall can lead to baldness, technically known as alopecia. It is characterized by the loss of hair from the head and body. With the latest advancements in technology, hair fall can be controlled and reversed to a great extent. In fact, there exist certain traditional hair growth home remedies that work in combating this problem.

How To Control Hair Fall in Winter

It is in winters when our hair problems are at their worst. With the cold setting in and lack of moisture in the air, hair problems like dandruff, dryness, hair fall and scalp itchiness are common.While there are many reasons behind hair fall, here are a few common causes that lead to hair fall. Understanding these causes would be a better way of trying to prevent further damage to the hair.

Keep The Dandruff Away: Dandruff is one of the most common issues that occur because of extreme dryness of the scalp. It is one of the main causes of hair fall in winter. Use an anti-dandruff cleanser to prevent hair fall.

Don’t Tie Your Hair Too Tight: Tight ponytails or braids are a big no if you’re trying to control hair fall in winters. Wear your hair loose, even while going to bed.

Gentle Combing: In winters, hair is already dry and damaged due to lack of moisture in the air. Try and comb only when required and be as gentle as you can.

Have A Healthy Diet: Have a Healthy Diet: Include loads of vitamins and minerals in your diet by having fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. Make sure you stay away from processed food, sugary items, and fatty food. This will help control hair fall.

Home Remedies For Hair Fall In Winter

Hot Oil Treatment: Using a hot oil treatment during winters is a great way to add nourishment to your hair and prevent hair fall. Apply some warm olive oil or coconut oil on the scalp and the hair strands. Leave it for about 1-2 hours. This should be done at least once a week to give you the desired result.

Apply An Avocado Mask: Avocados are supposed to have lots of vitamins and minerals that can deep nourish the hair strands and treat dryness and hair fall. A mask made of mashed avocados can be applied on the hair and left for 45 minutes before washing. Follow it every 7 days to get the results.

Avocado can also be mixed with banana as one of the other masks for the same treatment.

How To Minimize Hair Fall In Monsoon

Caring for hair becomes all the more important in monsoons because your hair tends to lose moisture content due to high humidity in the atmosphere and frequently getting wet. This may result in the hair being too frizzy, dry and brittle. Hair may also become limp, and there are chances of scalp infections too. Thus, proper hair care in monsoon is very essential.

1. Rinse Hair When You Get Wet In The Rain

The first thing to avoid in monsoon for hair fall control is getting wet in the rain.

We all love getting wet in the rains again and again. But our hair does not! Frequent wetting, and then shampooing and drying robs the hair from essential moisture and makes them lifeless and frizzy. Minimize the exposure of your hair to rain water as much as you can.

However, if you get wet in the rain, rinse your hair with plenty of clean water and a mild shampoo soon after returning home. This prevents germ infection on your scalp and checks hair fall in monsoon.

If your hair gets wet in the rain, do not leave them tied in a ponytail or a bun. Let them loose to dry to prevent fungal infections and dandruff.

2. Oiling And Hydration

Oil your hair for 1-2 hours before shampooing, at least once a week. Alternatively, you may use a home-made hair mask. Mix 1 ripe banana, 3 tablespoons honey, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Apply this pack on your hair and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Then wash off with plain water to get shiny hair!

Your hair turns rough and dry and ultimately leads to hair fall during monsoons. A quick and natural oil massage followed by a hair wash results in soft, manageable hair.

3. Don’t Comb Wet Hair

Do you have that habit of combing your wet hair after hair wash or after getting wet in the rain? Stop that immediately!

Wet hair is weak and susceptible to breaking. Gently air dry hair and comb it with a wide-toothed comb after your hair is completely dry. Avoid using heated hair equipment as they make your hair even drier and rough during the monsoons.

4. Excessive Hair Products

Using too many styling products like Gels and Mousse causes product build up. Couple that with improper cleaning and you have to deal with dandruff and hair fall. Avoid excessive usage and ensure that you are washing your hair well. Opt for gentle hair care products which are free of parabens and sulfates to avoid further damage to the hair.

Also, go easy on chemical treatments like perms and straightening during monsoons. They will further irritate your scalp and hair strands leading to excessive hair fall and split ends

5. Shampooing And Conditioning

If your hair got wet in the rain, shampoo your hair when you get back home. While falling from the sky, rain water gets loaded with environmental pollutants, and can damage your hair if not washed properly. Do not shampoo more than 2-3 times in a week, and always follow shampooing with conditioning. Using an anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner can control frizz up to a great extent.

More tips on how to manage your hair, and preven hair fall, during monsoons:

Use a wide-toothed comb made up of natural materials such as wood to comb through your hair to prevent building up of static energy, resulting in frizzy hair. Plastic combs/ brushes add to the frizz because of the static.

Always use a leave-in serum after shampooing.

Do not make very tight ponytails or buns in monsoons, as the moisture in the atmosphere tends to make the scalp sweat, and if your bun is very tight, the sweat will not evaporate, leading to dandruff and other infections.

Mix two tablespoons of vinegar and a cup of lukewarm water. Wash hair with this solution and this really offers a perfect shine and adds volume to your hair as well.

Avoid styling your hair in damp monsoon season. The humidity makes the hair more frizzy and leads to hair loss.

Do not go for any chemical treatments during monsoon as the chemicals react adversely with rain water causing severe damage to the hair and scalp.

Tips

In addition to the home remedies, there are certain other lifestyle changes you can make and tips you can follow to keep hair fall away.

1. Balanced Diet

A balanced diet goes a long way in maintaining the overall health, including hair health. To combat hair fall, it is important to incorporate a balanced diet.

Put greater emphasis on the intake of vitamins, calcium and iron as they can prevent hair fall to a great extent.

Insufficient protein and iron intake is one of the common causes of hair fall.

In addition to these, vitamins are also good for your hair.

Vitamin A, being an antioxidant, promotes healthy production of sebum in your scalp.

2. Hot Oil Treatment

In addition to its inherent goodness, it will improve blood circulation in your scalp.

Always oil your hair from root to tip.

You can use almond, olive or coconut oil for your hair.

Massage your scalp with your hand for a couple of minutes.

Put on a shower cap for an hour and then shampoo and condition your hair as usual.

For greater effects, you can add a few drops of rosemary, lavender, bay or peppermint essential oils to almond or sesame oil base.

3. Keep your Scalp Clean

A dirty scalp is always prone to infections. Make it a point to regularly shampoo and condition your scalp with reliable products. Keeping your hair clean will prevent dandruff problems. It will also keep itching and hair lice at bay which are among the main causes of hair fall.

Besides washing, hair should be brushed properly.

You should also regularly trim your hair to prevent tearing of hair and avoid split ends.

Wide-toothed comb should be used.

Blow drying should be avoided as far as possible because the heat generated can cause damage to your hair.

Avoid combing wet hair immediately after having a bath.

4. Follow a Healthy Lifestyle

An unhealthy lifestyle is also one of the causes of hair fall. So it is important to incorporate a few changes to make it conducive for healthy hair growth.

Mental stress is one of the major contributing factors for hair fall.

Practicing meditation is a great way to ease mental stress and restore hormonal imbalance.

Proper sleep is also vital for overall health including hair health.

Using too much heat and chemicals on the hair should be avoided.

If you are using a hair gel, make sure you wash it off the very next day.

Avoid tobacco and alcohol as much as possible.

By following the above natural hair growth remedies, you will definitely experience noticeable results. However, if none of these remedies are working, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist before the condition worsens. Certain medical treatments are also available, such as hair transplant, hair restoration, stem cell treatment and hair extensions. You can go for these procedures but only after proper consultation with your dermatologist.

5. Say No To Junk Food

It has been proven time and again that consumption of junk food can cause hair fall. Junk food contains excessive calories and no essential nutrients, which can eventually lead to hair loss (25). You can, instead, switch to including more of green leafy vegetables, protein-rich foods, and fruits in your diet.

6. Be Gentle With Wet Hair

Wet hair is more prone to breakage, which is why you must be gentle while handling it. The best way to dry wet hair is to pat it with a dry towel, instead of rubbing it harshly.

7. Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise enhances blood circulation and improves the flow of oxygen to your scalp, thereby controlling hair fall. Ideally exercise for about 30 minutes a day, five times a week (26).

8. Stay Hydrated

Drinking sufficient water is one more way of keeping hair fall at bay (27). Owing to our busy and sedentary lifestyles, we seldom remember the importance of keeping ourselves hydrated. Drink about six to eight glasses of filtered water on a regular basis.

9. Trim Your Hair Regularly

10. Avoid Steamy Showers

Hot water dehydrates the hair strands, making them brittle and vulnerable to breakage. Rinsing your hair with hot water also flushes out the essential oils of the scalp, which can lead to increased shedding of hair. You can, instead, go for a shower with lukewarm or normal water.

11. Stay Away From Hot Styling Tools

Exposing your hair to high temperatures can destroy the vital proteins and damage your hair’s protective cuticles. When this happens, the moisture balance of your hair gets disrupted, making it susceptible to breakage.

Ideally, you can limit the usage of hot styling tools (including your blow-dryer) to not more than twice a week. Also, make it a point to apply a heat protection spray to reduce friction and protect your hair.

12. Don’t Wash Your Hair Too Less (Or Too Much)

You can skip shampoo for a day, but make sure that doesn’t become a habit. Not washing your hair for days together can lead to the accumulation of dirt, oil, and product residue that can clog the pores in your scalp.

On the other hand, washing your hair too often (washing every day) might remove the essential oils your scalp needs. The best you can do is wash your hair every two days, more so if you are prone to excessive sweating and use many hair products. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to prevent excessive dryness.

Hair fall might be a serious problem. But like most serious problems out there, it can be prevented and treated with simple home remedies. Follow the above tips, and you will never have to worry about hair loss again!